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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Gerald dedicate this book to?

2. What is Mother doing at the onset of Larry's attack about England's climate and the family's illnesses?

3. What illness does Margo suffer from in the English weather?

4. What kind of transportation do the Durrell's use to get to town?

5. How is Spiro known by the people on the island?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Gerry and Mother's opinions regarding the pace for eating breakfast differ?

2. What is the significance of Yani's scorpion in the bottle of olive oil?

3. What mishap occurred, in front of the Greek King, at the stage show of Battle of Thermopylae?

4. Who instigates the move to Corfu and why?

5. How did spring affect Mother, when left undisturbed by Larry? What affect did this have on Larry?

6. Why does Gerry have difficulties with mathematical problems?

7. Gerald's original intent for his book was an account of the natural history on the island of Corfu. Why did that change?

8. How are the trapdoor spiders and Dr. Theodore Stephanides two significant finds for Gerry?

9. Why is Mother concerned about Larry's friends being highbrow?

10. Why is the Rose-Beetle Man described as one of the most weird and fascinating characters Gerry met?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chaos often ensues in the Durrell family, such as that caused by Gerry's animals, or the fire in Larry's room. Would you theorize that on some level they enjoy the chaos? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Larry is often an instigator in the family, especially when it comes to moving. What else does Larry instigate the family to do? What does this say about his character?

Essay Topic 3

Dr. Theodore Stephanides is socially awkward, especially with greeting people and then parting ways. Discuss your theory as to why he has this social awkwardness.

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This section contains 785 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample